LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentrez said they are strictly prohibiting farmers from using red level pesticides, insecticides and fungicides in their fields.
“Farmers who use these red level chemicals will be penalized,” said Bentrez.
She added the prohibition will be for the protection of the environment of the province. There will be a soil mobile clinic to be constructed next year to be the center of soil assessment.
“We will be conducting soil analysis in the farmers’ fields to check and evaluate the status of the soil if it is safe or not [to plant on],” explained Bentrez.
Meanwhile, the implementation of Organic Agriculture Act or the Republic Act 10068 will further support the prohibition of red level chemicals.
These chemicals are highly toxic, which are harmful not only to the environment but also to the health of the consumers and the farmers as well.
Vice Mayor Romeo Salda believes organic agriculture will save the children of La Trinidad. Municipal Administrator Charles Canuto also affirmed the secret of living towards old age is eating non-chemical laden foods.
“These chemicals will destroy the soil. The water sources of our municipality are now being affected by these highly toxic chemicals applied by farmers,” said Canuto.
He added the valley will sincerely implement the Organic Agriculture Act. (Rubyloida Bitog)
